The word ‘rancid’ may have a negative connotation in other contexts, but in the world of wine it is a very appreciated term. In the same way that there are sweet or dry wines, rancid wine is a variety of this wonderful beverage that is simply called this way because of its elaboration process.
If you want to discover what rancid wine is and how it is made, you have come to the right place. In Taca de Vi we are specialists in wine tastings and that is why we are going to tell you everything we know about rancid wine.
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What is rancid wine?
In oenological jargon, a rancid wine is a type of wine whose aging has been accelerated by exposure to the sun, usually for a year or two. This oxidation process is usually carried out in half-filled barrels, but it can also be done in glass demijohns or by the system known as criaderas and solera, through dynamic oxidation in barrels.
Types of rancio wine
As the main distinction of rancid wine is the particularity of its oxidation process, there are many types of rancid wine depending on the grape chosen and the process of elaboration of the rancid wine itself.
Rancid wine can be either red, white or rosé, although the most elaborated are the whites, and most bottles have a high alcohol content. These are the most common types of rancid wine:
- Garnacha: This type of rancid wine is made in Catalonia, mainly using red or white Garnacha grapes, and offers two varieties: dry rancid wine or sweet rancid wine (mixed with mistela). The most popular are the dry ones.
- Rancid wine of Alicante: This wine is characterized by being dry and having a fairly high alcohol content. To make it, Monastrell grapes are used.
- Rancid wine of Malaga: This wine is dry and is usually characterized by a bitter almond aroma and a dark golden hue.
- Dry ‘oloroso’ wine: This type of wine can be creamy, semi-sweet or sweet. It usually has a spicy touch and a darker color.
- Dorado de rueda wine: This type of rancid wine is made from Verdejo grapes and has notes of wild herbs and toasted almonds.
- Pajarilla: This is the typical rancid wine of Aragon and also has a golden or yellowish color. It is made with overripe grapes, which is what gives it its characteristic color.
Rancid wine elaboration
As mentioned above, the production of rancid wine consists of accelerated aging for one or two years through solar exposure of the demijohns.
However, the process can vary depending on the aging area and the raw material used. It is possible to make rancid wine in a single cask or a mixed process can be carried out, in which the wine is transferred from the cask to glass bottles.
What is the process of oxidative aging in criaderas?
The oxidative aging system in criaderas and soleras is based on the use of wooden barrels forming a pyramid and, as the wine ages, it moves from the top of the pyramid to the bottom. At this point, it means that it can be bottled.
How is rancid wine made in demijohns or glass demijohns?
This process seeks to accelerate oxidation through solar exposure. What is sought by leaving the wine exposed for so long is the contrast of temperatures between day and night. It is a practice that has only been used for 60 years and is very popular in Catalonia, so if you are interested in seeing how it is done you can visit some wineries in Barcelona.
Characteristics of rancid wine
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- It has a high sugar content: Due to the type of grape used, rancid wine usually has a high sugar content.
- It can have different flavours and aromas: dried fruits, wood, spicy and bitter touches, etc.
- It can be white, rosé or red.
- It is produced in different areas of Spain.
- It has a high alcohol content: Precisely because of its characteristic oxidation process, rancid wine needs to be at least 18 degrees. That means that the alcohol is necessary to carry out the oxidative aging process.
Main uses of rancid wine
Although rancid wine is an excellent option for drinking and wine pairing, it is often used in the world of cuisine. In fact, in Catalan gastronomy, rancid wine is very popular when it comes to preparing all kinds of dishes, both traditional pastries and savory recipes.
In addition, it can also be used as a base drink for the subsequent production of certain liqueurs.
What is the most popular rancid wine?
Currently, the rancid wine that is most commercialized in Spain is the garnacha or sweet garnatxa. However, if you have never tasted rancid wine and you would like to know first-hand the different types of rancid wine produced in your region, the best thing to do is to go to a wine tasting.
In Taca de Vi we do wine tastings in Barcelona, Madrid and Bilbao. Contact us, make your reservation and discover all that this world full of aromas and flavors has to offer!
